Judge Alison Lindsay has refused a request from Mícheal Martin to allow the terms of reference of her tribunal to be extended. The health minister had asked Judge Lindsay to allow the Tribunal to investigate the role of international drug companies in the preparation of infected blood products.
The Irish Haemophilia Society says that it is bitterly disappointed. The IHS had argued that such an investigation was necessary as the drug companies made the blood products which infected the vast majority of the 252 Irish haemophiliacs with HIV and hepatitis C.
A statement from Mr Martin confirmed that, in correspondence with him, Judge Lindsay indicated that she did not think it would be appropriate for her to consent to the amendment of her terms of reference.
The Minister said that he briefed the IHS on developments today and was considering the situation in the light of its response.
